I've recently acquired a Nikon FE. It is in excellent condition other than some dirt specks/smug on the mirror and focusing screen. I've just recently developed my first roll. 24 exposures of rebranded Fuji Xperia 400. The shots came out like this:

The roll was developed and scanned at a Walmart. The colours came out very nice, but I don't have any experience shooting with old SLRs. Is the faded washout vintage look the way it's suppose to? Is it the character of the old E-series lenses? The film? Or did the processing/scanning went bad.

I know that cameras of 30 yrs of age can have degraded foam for light seals, so I'm also worried on that part.

OK, then - a number of suggestions, but may be of limited value since I can't see the camera or the actual film.

How old is the film? Older film can degrade.

Exposure correct? (print film has some lattitude, slide film very little) The working of the shutter and aperture are important here, particularly on an older camera.

Has the film been stored in warm/hot conditions (this can affect colours)?

Is the lens clear - no fungus?

As you suggested - light leaks? But it doesn't look too much like this from what I saw. I use 40 year old Minolta SLRss for my photos and the light integrity is perfect - just as good as my 73 year old Leica!!!

Quality of processing - reliable processor?

Quality of scanning at Walmart?

The problem is that there are just so many variables here. One thing - you can apply some corrections in Photoshop but it is better to have a good quality image first. Keep experimenting. I still take film because of its inherent qualities and the fact that it's future proof (can always scan again with better technology!).

This was (I presume) a fresh roll of film from a local drug store. I do have some expired rolls that were given as a friend, but haven't developed any as of now. I will keep experimenting with the camera. And I think I now have an obsession with film. It's simplicity and method of shooting is second to none